5 Mistakes to Avoid at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (and What to Do Instead)

If you’re planning to experience the magic of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, learn from the pros (hi, it’s me). There are a few rookie mistakes that can make or break your trip to one of New Mexico’s most iconic events. After attending and experiencing it all firsthand—including one glorious morning from the Observation Deck at the Balloon Museum—I’ve put together everything you need to know to make your visit seamless, memorable, and maybe even a little bit cozy. Here are my 5 Mistakes to Avoid at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. If it’s your first time attending, check out my Ultimate Guide to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta for everything you need to know—dates, ticket options, parking, and weather tips.

1. Not Getting There Early

The number one mistake people make when going to the Balloon Fiesta? Sleeping in. If you’re attending a morning session, plan to be parked by 4:30 a.m. sharp. I know that sounds brutal, but trust me—traffic is no joke. By 5:00 a.m., you’ll see lines of cars barely moving along I-25 and Paseo del Norte. Getting there early not only saves you time and stress, but it also lets you soak in those quiet, pre-dawn moments before the sky fills with color.

If you’re headed to an evening session, the same rule applies: get there by 4:30 p.m.. You’ll breeze through traffic, find parking easily, and actually enjoy the experience instead of starting it with a headache. Traffic can get intense, so choosing the right hotel makes a huge difference. I’ve rounded up the Best Places to Stay for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta—including which areas make your mornings way easier.

2. Not Booking Multiple Sessions

Here’s the hard truth: the weather is in charge, not you. Balloons won’t launch if it’s too windy or rainy—and that can change by the minute. We booked four sessions, and three of them were cancelled due to weather. That’s not always the case, but it happens often enough that you’ll want to hedge your bets.

My advice? Book at least two to four sessions if you can. It gives you a backup plan (and another chance to see the mass ascension if your first one gets rained out). Plus, each session feels different—the drone shows vary between morning and evening, and the crowd energy changes as the weekend approaches.

3. Not Making Reservations in Advance

Some things at the Fiesta sell out months in advance—especially anything that makes your experience more comfortable, like the Observation Deck at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. It’s worth every penny.

Here’s why:

• Museum Parking: Instead of parking miles away and taking a school bus (yes, really) or walking a mile in the cold, you get to park right next to Fiesta Park.
• Heated Indoor Viewing: You can enjoy the balloons from a warm, enclosed space with giant windows and an unbeatable view.
• Catered Breakfast: This year, the Balloon Foundation partnered with Slate Street Café for breakfast, and they pulled out all the stops—fresh fruit, pastries, housemade carne adovada, crispy bacon, biscuits and gravy, and everything you need to build your own breakfast burrito.
• Fundraising Perk: Tickets to the Observation Deck are part of a museum fundraiser, and 40% of the ticket price is tax-deductible.

It’s also the easiest way to have a stress-free morning. We arrived around 5:00 a.m., grabbed hot coffee, and watched the drone show at 5:45 a.m. before breakfast started. The Balloon Patrol kicked off around 6:00, followed by the mass ascension at 7:00. By 7:30, we hopped on the free shuttle to the field to explore up close.

The same goes for lodging and dining—Albuquerque fills up fast during Fiesta week. Hotels near the park book out months in advance, and even local restaurants can be packed with visitors after each session. Check my Where to Eat in Albuquerque: From Green Chile to Fine Dining list.

4. Trusting the Local “Heat Scale”🤣🌶️

Do not—and I repeat, do not—trust a New Mexican when they tell you something “isn’t that spicy.” Their definition of mild will make your eyes water. Locals live for green chile everything, and their heat tolerance is on another planet.

If you’re not used to serious spice, start small and work your way up. When a restaurant gives you the choice between “red, green, or Christmas” (that’s both), don’t let your ego answer for you. I learned the hard way that their medium could qualify as an Olympic event.

That said, it’s part of the fun. New Mexico’s signature flavor is that roasted green chile kick—it’s smoky, flavorful, and unlike anything else. Just pace yourself and have a drink ready.

5. Doing the Sandia Tram During Fiesta

The Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque is one of the Southwest’s most famous attractions—and for good reason. Stretching 2.7 miles from the city’s northeast edge to the crest of the Sandia Mountains, it’s the longest aerial tramway in the Americas. The 15-minute ride climbs to an elevation of 10,378 feet, with sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley, Albuquerque skyline, and more than 11,000 square miles of desert and mountain scenery.

It’s absolutely worth doing… just not during Balloon Fiesta. Learn from my mistake.

We thought we’d sneak in a quick sunset ride, but “quick” is not part of the tramway vocabulary during Fiesta week. You buy your ticket online for a “window of time,” then show up and wait in a long, slow line for the tram. We got in line at 5:33 p.m. and didn’t board until after 7:30 p.m. By the time we finally reached the top, it was dark, windy, and freezing. The tram cars cram in about 20 people, so if you’re not near the front, you won’t see much after sunset anyway.

Then came the worst part: the wait to get down. It took another hour and a half just to board again—kids crying, adults crying (me included), everyone questioning their life choices. Let me save you the pain: don’t do the Sandia Peak Tramway during Balloon Fiesta. It will eat up your entire evening and leave you wishing you’d stayed at the Fiesta Glow Show instead.

To be fair, they do warn you to expect one- to two-hour waits—but I was optimistic. Big mistake.

Here’s how I’d do it next time:
I’d go on a normal day, not during Fiesta or any major holiday, and book a time window between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. I’d also make a dinner reservation at Ten 3, the fine-dining restaurant at the summit. Arrive around 3:00, enjoy the tram ride up, and plan your reservation for 4:30 p.m. Insider tip: early reservations have a better chance at window seats overlooking the mountains. You can sip a cocktail, enjoy dinner, and watch the sunset from the restaurant instead of freezing in line.

Oh, and dress in lots of layers—the air at 10,000 feet feels dramatically cooler. When I say cold, I mean cold.

One last tip: on your drive there, take Tramway Road. You might spot a herd of bison along the way, which is a really cool little surprise before you even reach the base station.

So yes, the Sandia Peak Tramway is absolutely worth visiting… just not during Balloon Fiesta.

Why the Observation Deck Is Totally Worth It

Getting the Observation Deck at the Balloon Museum was hands-down one of the best decisions we made. Everyone from the Albuquerque Balloon Foundation was incredibly kind and organized. The entire experience felt relaxed, even with the excitement buzzing outside.

You can watch the first balloons light up and drift into the sky from the warmth of the deck, with the sunrise painting the Sandia Mountains in the distance. Once the launch is in full swing, step outside to feel the whoosh of hot air as the balloons float right over you. After breakfast, take the shuttle to the field to walk among the balloons—it’s pure magic.

I was shocked at how close we could get. There are no ropes or barriers, so you can literally stand a few feet from the inflating balloons and talk to the pilots. It’s one of those “how is this even allowed?” moments that makes it feel so special.

When you’ve had your fill (and probably taken 500 photos), wander through the vendor village. I picked up a turquoise necklace—because when in New Mexico, of course—and a handmade ceramic mini balloon. There are tons of locally made souvenirs, traditional crafts, and food vendors. We even caught a traditional dance performance before heading back to the museum.

What to Know About the Balloon Fiesta

Every year, the Fiesta has a unique theme. The 2025 theme, “Painted Horizons,” celebrated the visual spectacle of hundreds of balloons rising into the sky, painting the horizon in every color imaginable.

If you’re looking for a less crowded day, go on a Wednesday morning. It’s calmer than the weekend but doesn’t include the evening Night Magic Glow. For the best of both worlds, pair a weekday morning session with a weekend night show.

The Special Shapes Rodeo happens on Thursday and Friday, when the sky fills with everything from flying pigs to giant bees. I wasn’t sure I’d love it at first (I’m a sucker for the classic romantic balloons), but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the week.

Download the official Balloon Fiesta app before you go—it’s a game changer. You can buy tickets, check live updates, see the schedule, and sign up for text alerts for weather delays or cancellations.

Food to Try During the Fiesta

If you go to a morning session, grab a New Mexican breakfast burrito from a local vendor. They’re legendary and packed with flavor. If you’re there in the evening, the food options are even more tempting.

We tried JP’z Concessions, and I wasn’t expecting much—just something to hold me over. I ordered the loaded carne asada fries, and they were incredible. So fresh, so flavorful, and definitely share-worthy (though you might not want to).

Another standout was Cornivore Popcorn Company. I bought three bags to take home because I couldn’t choose a favorite—but the Sweet Green Chile flavor won me over. The owner told me the story himself: he wanted to make a true New Mexico green chile popcorn, without any seeds or stems, using pure, high-quality chile. They pay double what competitors do to get it right, then roast and season it to perfection. Paired with kettle corn, it’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy—and still their number one flavor five years later.

The Evening Glow Experience

Evening sessions are all about the Glow. The balloons don’t launch but instead light up the night sky like giant lanterns. The evening we attended was supposed to include:

• 6:30 p.m. Glowdeo with special shapes
• 7:30 p.m. Team Fastrax skydiving
• 7:45 p.m. Drone Show (different from the morning version)
• 8:00 p.m. Fireworks finale

Unfortunately, ours got rained out, but even just walking the grounds, grabbing food, and seeing the balloon park was worth it.

Quick Tips for a Perfect Balloon Fiesta Experience

• Arrive early (by 4:30 a.m. or p.m.)
• Book multiple sessions for better odds with the weather
• Dress in layers for the temperature swings
• Reserve in advance for premium options like the Observation Deck
• Download the app for live updates and alerts
• Don’t do the Sandia Tram during Fiesta week

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta truly is one of the most spectacular events you can experience in the U.S. From the soft hum of the burners before sunrise to the colorful chaos of hundreds of balloons filling the sky, it’s something you’ll never forget. Just plan ahead, dress warm, and don’t skip the breakfast burrito. Once the balloons are packed away, spend a few extra days exploring the city’s culture, cuisine, and desert views. My 3 Perfect Days in Albuquerque: Beyond the Balloon Fiesta itinerary has all the best local finds.